Chios Beer Wheat With Mastic
Chios Microbrewery

I received a bottle of this unique beer from my daughter and son-in-law who visited the brewery and brought the bottle home. The age is unclear. Poured into a pub glass. It pours a hazy, bright honey-orange with a very small, ecru-colored head and soapy lacing. The smell of the Mastic dominates and is unique; it's earthy and herbal with a hint of anise. There is also a slight aroma akin to Pine-Sol. As the ale warms there are also some sweeter citrusy notes. The taste is very difficult to describe other than earthy - almost like dirt. It's slightly acidic. Behind this odd flavor is pine resin and some bright citrus - lemon and just a hint of tangerine. The taste isn't bad; it's just unusual. The ale is not overtly bitter but it does leave an unappealing after taste that is somewhat acidic. The mouth feel is surprisingly viscous and the carbonation has held up well during the bottle's transatlantic travel. The 5.5% ABV makes it almost crushable although I cannot imagine wanting to drink a second bottle. Nonetheless, I'm grateful to have the opportunity to drink and review this truly unique ale.